This interview took place during Bill Clinton's unsuccessful 1974 bid for a seat representing Arkansas in the United States House of Representatives. Two years later, he ran uncontested to become the state attorney general, and in 1978 he won the governorship. Here, Clinton demonstrates his devotion to the intricacies of political maneuvering, his sense of the role of personality in politics, and his fondness for words. He seems aware that his ability to personally connect with Arkansas voters will be important as he vies for the seat, but seems uncomfortable with the idea that he will rely more on charm than on issues. He hopes that his stands on various issues will give Arkansas voters a clear picture of him as a person. The interview is packed with many specific details about Arkansas politics.

The Southern Oral History Program transcripts presented here on
Documenting the American South undergo an editorial process to remove
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